Ann Arbor is 1st in U.S. for clean technology 'innovation density'

A new report by The Brookings Institution measured clean technology innovation across the U.S. to see where the nation stands on the ability to capitalize on the $1.4 trillion business opportunity from energy innovation.

It's a category of technology that we see in multiple Michigan industries: it includes wind turbines, solar power generation, and much of the engineering behind connected and autonomous vehicles. It also addresses existing fuels and how to reach maximum efficiency. Green building materials, energy storage - such as fuel cells - and water and wastewater sustainability all are considered part of cleantech innovation.

The reach of cleantech development holds considerable potential for the U.S. and the cities producing it, the report said.

"The bottom line: Low-carbon technology holds great potential to spark high-quality growth in U.S. regions, support the manufacturing sector, and improve the trade balance," the report concluded.

U-M

Study authors Mark Muro and Devashree Saha examined where in the U.S. the innovation is taking place, based on patents filed from 2011-2016. "While much of America’s patenting takes place in relatively few large metropolitan areas, significant cleantech innovation activity extends into all regions of the country. That breadth underscores both the relevance and potential of low carbon innovation."

At the same time, according to the report, pending federal budget cuts "raise new concerns about the future of the nation’s commitment to low-carbon economic development."

The data looks at patent approvals for 14 areas that support sustainable energy development. They range from mobility issues, to wind power, bio fuels and recycling-related innovation.

72 aerial photos of the Ann Arbor area

The results are striking for Michigan.

Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, is ranked number one in the U.S. at "innovation density," or the number of new patents filed from 2011-2016 per 1 million residents within the Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It jumps from number 9 in 2010, and tops San Jose- Sunnyvale- Santa Clara, California by 26 patents. Behind both are number 3, Columbus, Indiana, with 499. Then Bay City, Michigan, - home to Dow - comes in at number 4, with 430.

Florida recently spoke at Ann Arbor SPARK's annual meeting, where he told the crowd: "You've been an incredible success. An unbelievable success," citing as an example the venture capital spending in the area - even while warning that a declining middle class was another likely outcome.

Paula Gardner | PaulaGardner@mlive.com

Here are Michigan communities and where they rank on innovation density.